INITIALLY I wasn’t sure if I was at a Press Conference for the look-a-like coalition leadership or for the contestants for the British and European middleweight titles at the LG Arena on September 18.

The four have much in common. Cameron and Clegg are singing from the same hymn sheet. So are Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker.

The political front I leave to others. The Frank Warren boxing spectacular heading for Birmingham was my scene and yesterday was supposed to be the first face-to-face confrontation of Birmingham challenger Macklin and Barker, the holder of the two titles.

But anybody expecting verbals between the two would have been disappointed. Macklin and Barker don’t want that and actually get on quite well – until they get into the ring.

Macklin is the former holder of both the belts and he wants them back as he pushes his claims for a shot at a world title. He readily admits that this is a ‘must-win’ for him.

Barker simply wants to prove he is the best in Britain. He’s tried to stoke the fire, claiming this fight ranks as high as the classic and memorable Eubank-Benn battle at the same venue 20 years ago.

It has the same fascinating ingredients and already 8,000 tickets have been sold with Barker ordering 4,000 tickets for his fans.

Macklin said: “This is a fight I am happy to take. I didn’t have to but it suits me in many ways

“I am confident I will win and I want to be part of Frank Warren’s big blockbuster events – especially when they are in Birmingham.

“The fight is still ten weeks away but already my phone has never stopped. The hype is wonderful and it is where I want to be – before moving higher.”

Barker said: “I am younger and fresher than Matthew. I haven’t been through the wars that he has. I am going in full of confidence.

“I am the champion and I will still have the titles when it is all over.”